Manicures in salons can be compared to psychotherapy: Scientists make unexpected statement
Illustrative photo (Photo: Freepik)
Japanese researchers from Saitama Gakuen University, Kawaguchi, explored how nail care at a salon can affect the mental state of women. It turns out that 1-2 hours of salon manicure can have a similar impact as psychotherapy, according to the scientific journal Frontiers in Psychology.
How the research was conducted
The researchers aimed to understand how this ritual could affect the emotional state, relaxation, and overall well-being of women.
The study's author, Assistant Professor Atsushi Kawakubo, explained that he had become interested in this topic due to the growing body of research on the intersection of self-care practices and their impact on psychological well-being. He mentioned that the idea of a simple activity like nail care in a salon having a substantial psychological effect had intrigued him. Consequently, he expressed his desire to explore the potential of this under-researched field.
To study the psychological effects of manicures, the scientists invited 500 women aged 20 to 30 from various regions, including those living in major cities.
All participants provided information about their age, marital status, income, and spending on cosmetics. The questionnaire also asked about their nail care habits, such as whether they did their own manicures, visited beauty salons, or did neither.
What the researchers discovered
It turned out that nail care, as well as makeup, had a positive impact on women. They reported an increase in positive emotions, relaxation, and revitalization during nail care sessions.
People who underwent a manicure procedure at a salon reported more pronounced positive emotions and greater relaxation compared to those who did it at home independently.
Much of this can be attributed to the interaction between the nail technician and the client. Candid conversations between them have an immediate positive effect on both.
"The results showed that nail care positively elevated three aspects: positive emotions, relaxation, and vitalization. Moreover, they confirmed significant differences between receiving nail care from salon manicurists and self-performed nail care in terms of positive emotions and relaxation," the study's materials state.
